Washington University School of Medicine is a world leader in biochemical research and the training of young scientists. Members of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, originally called the Department of Biological Chemistry, are dedicated to the investigation of the complex relationships that control biological processes. These processes, in turn, are defined by complex interactions between proteins, between proteins and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and between proteins or nucleic acids with small metabolites. A major focus of the department is to seek to understand these processes in a quantitative way based on understanding structural and dynamic aspects of macromolecular interactions. Investigators utilize experimental structural, thermodynamic and kinetic methods as well as computational approaches in their studies. The significance of delineating the quantitative structural basis of molecular and cellular events lies in providing the fundamental knowledge required for furthering our ability to make advances in medicine and improvements in the quality of life.